Designer Interview: Pete of Bodrighy Wood

Welcome to another designer interview! Let's get started . . . 

Hello!  Who are you and where can we find out more about you?

My name is Pete, I trade under the name 'Bodrighy Wood' and can be found in the following places online:- http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/studio/bodrighywood

http://www.facebook.com/Bodrighy

https://twitter.com/#!/bodrighywood

What do you make?

In short pretty much anything that is round and made of wood. I am a wood turner doing items for sale in the shops and fairs and also doing commissioned work which can vary from the legs for art deco chairs to handles for swords.  Apart from the usual things like bowls, vases etc I also do artistic pieces and collaborate with a designer / jeweller to make things of mixed mediums as well.

Where does your inspiration come from?

Other turners, pottery, especially oriental pieces, historical things such as chalices, platters etc and from the wood itself which often seems to dictate what is made, especially in the artistic work.

How do you record your ideas?

I have a book where I draw very rough sketches of an idea which my designer friend then turns into decent drawings for me.

What tips do you have for motivating yourself?

As a fair bit of my work is done to commission I have to get it out for a customer so that motivates me. The rest I find that when I get an idea I usually go for it until it is done. I also find that collaborating helps as there are two of you to nag one another LOL.

Do you have any time management tips?

If you are trying to do your crafting as a business, even part time, set a specific time to get the work done each day even if it is only half an hour and stick to it. If you try and do it as and when you feel like it you will get nothing finished.

What's your workspace like?  Can we have a sneak peek?

It's a 20' x 18' space, and I'm lucky enough to have access to another workshop and its equipment as well.  This is a panoramic view.

Where can we find your designs for sale?

Mainly through my Artfire shop at the moment but I also put work into my Facebook page as well. As I have a very intermittent connection I am struggling at the moment to get more of my work up online adding it as and when I can.

Do you have any top tips for other designer makers?

Try something that is outside your comfort zone regularly and make things that are different. Rolling pins (for example) don't have to be bland beech tubes with a handle, they can be made of attractive woods as well. Think outside the pale, if you see something that someone else has made, don't just copy, use it as a basis for your own idea.

Anything else you want to add?

Trying to earn a living with a craft involves making things that others like. If all you make is what you like yourself then you are a hobby crafter, nothing wrong with that but if you want to sell your work you need to please the public, not just yourself. Also make sure that whatever you make is of a quality you are proud of.

Thanks Pete for agreeing to be interviewed - I love your work.  There's just something so beautiful,  special and tactile about turned wood. 

For a really good mix of creativity and inspiration, head over to Handmade Monday and have a mooch round the blogs that are linking up this week!